The MP for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has said the reason behind the introduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) is to enable government to steal from the pockets of Ghanaians.

In a tweet on January 29, he stated that it is inappropriate for government to continually tax the same value of money in an electronic transaction.

"Why should you tax the same value of money repeatedly in a transaction cycle? Is that not stealing?" he quizzed.

According to him, even in the payment of tithe, "God does not take twice multiple times on the same earnings", thus his opposition to the levy's implementation.

He made the comments while responding to a statement by Legal Counsel to President Akufo-Addo, Kow Essuman, who said the Minority's opposition to the e-levy is politically driven.

That's because we are against the PRINCIPLE of stealing from people pockets (wallets). Why should you tax the same value of money repeatedly in a transaction cycle? Is that not stealing? Osofo, even God does not take twice multiple times on the same earnings. https://t.co/hQBjKD11N8

— Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) January 29, 2022

He stressed that the Minority is not working in the interest of Ghanaians.

"The sad thing about the vigorous opposition to the e-levy by the Minority is that it is purely political and not in the interest of Ghana or ordinary Ghanaians. After all these consultations and reduction in the rate, they are still opposed to it?"

In defence, the Ningo-Prampram stated that the Minority in Parliament is not fighting a political battle but rather "against the principle of stealing from people's pockets (wallet)".

On Friday, January 28, the Minority threw out a proposal indicating that the levy rate would be reduced from 1.75% to 1.5%.

According to government, the telecommunication companies have agreed to reduce their 1% charge on transactions by 0.25%. But the Minority indicated that the reduction was not enough to win their support.

The Minority has said it remains opposed to the implementation of the levy as it would worsen the economic situation of Ghanaians.

Meanwhile, Parliament will on Tuesday re-consider the approval of the E-levy Bill.